[Dr. Magill]

Does anyone have a clever way to get the same look as Jungle Cock by using a substitute material? I've been experimenting with layering 2 or 3 feathers and some marker pens but it just isn't getting it done. I would like to own some Jungle Cock but can't seem to pull the trigger on buying it. Is it really necessary? Or is that pattern dependent? Do you need a special way to store the cape?
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks-
Jamie

 

[halcyon]

There is absolutely no substitute for jungle cock nails. The plastic deals, the other feathers cut and dyed, etc. are plainly put, crap. If you don't want to pay the price for real jungle cock simply don't use it. With only a few exceptions, leaving out the jungle cock in a pattern is the proper way to handle the situation. When you do purchase jungle cock either as packages of matched nails or a whole cape you store it exactly as you store your dry fly necks.

 

[johnnyd]

I have been getting all my jungle cock off of ebay. You can get packages of about 60-100 feathers that are pretty good quality in what ever size you need for about $20.

 

[fly punk]

you can take guinea hen cut it to size. using the center dot. If you want a few jungle cock nails let me know about how big you need and i'll send you some if you like.

 

[Dr. Magill]

you can take guinea hen cut it to size. using the center dot. If you want a few jungle cock nails let me know about how big you need and i'll send you some if you like.

You guys here are always so darn helpful. I appreciate your offer and would be HAPPY to send you some cash. I want to tie up some patterns that CALL for Jungle Cock but also say it is optional. Somehow the flies just wouldn't look the same - IMO.
Aren't there several different sizes?

 

[Tom House]

What Halcyon says is absolutly true. There are no imitations worth waisting your time and money on.
However, if you want to start experimenting with creating spots or 'eyes' on your flys the Guinea suggestion may be worth exploring but I prefer not to use cut feathers. As for whole feathers with spots try mature males of the following. Starling, Mearns quail, Temmincks Tragopan. There are others as well but I can't think of what they are just now.

TC

 

[shawn k]

the fish dont care if it has jungle cock

 

[Kent Lufkin]

the fish dont care if it has jungle cock

It's been said that you can fish pretty much any water or species effectively with a dozen patterns or less. The other several thousand are better at catching fishermen than they are fish.

K

 

[Dr. Magill]

It's been said that you can fish pretty much any water or species effectively with a dozen patterns or less. The other several thousand are better at catching fishermen than they are fish.

K

The Dirty Dozen???
Any idea what dozen they are??